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Getting everything done before heading off on a holiday can be difficult, but making sure your pre-travel list is completed will give you great peace of mind while on every single trip. Travel insurance, vaccinations, visas, and scanning documents can pile up on your ‘to-do’ post it notes, but all the little tasks done can really save you a lot of trouble while out on your adventures. This is especially true if you’re travelling outside of Europe or to places with special visa requirements.

This article has a six-item to-do list already set up for you to tick off. From booking your single trip travel insurance to checking your debit cards, you’ll find some helpful suggestions of things to get done before you get on the plane.

1. See your doctor

If you’re travelling outside of Europe, you might need to get vaccinations before you go, and in some cases, before you can even apply for a visa. It’s also not a bad idea to refill any prescription medication to last you through the duration of your travels.

2. Learn as much about your destination as possible

If you’re travelling to a place you know very little about, it’s a really good idea to read about the local customs and history before you leave. This will give context to many of the sites you’re seeing, and will provide insight into appropriate behaviours and attire.

3. Check in with your bank

Before you travel, check the expiry dates on your cards to make sure that they’ll last through the duration of your trip. It’s also not a bad idea to call your bank to let them know which countries you’ll be visiting, so no red flags go up which might led them to put a stop on your card when you need it.

4. Book Single Trip Travel Insurance

When travelling abroad, it’s a good idea to make sure you have single trip travel insurance to cover you in case of injury or loss of property. These policies are usually easy find and you can usually complete application forms online and just print out your proof of policy. Many countries require you to have cover before you can apply for a visa.

5. Scan your documents

Make a copy of your passport, insurance policy, card numbers, your ticket details, and any emergency contact information that you might need (including doctors, family members, and travel agent). Email these documents and this information to yourself, and also forward it to your family and friends.

6. Stock up your camera

Pack extra batteries; you don’t want your batteries to die on you when you’re just about to arrive at the Great Wall of China or Yosemite National Park. Remember you might not always have access to an outlet and pack extra memory cards as well, so you can snap photos to your heart’s content.